Such a needed message right now, my vision of being a full time composer has shifted drastically over the years. I thought I just wanted to do huge shows and films all year round for a living, and while a piece of me still wants do projects like that, I primarily want to lead a life where art and expression is celebrated throughout my week. I don’t want to work the boring lifeless unfulfilling jobs, I want to be involved in something that feels revenant to not only my human experience but something that will bring fulfillment and belonging to myself and the people in my life (and possibly a future family). And who knows maybe I’ll do big projects in the future, idk but my goal is to live a more simple & quiet life whilst pursuing work that matters to me. That could be educating, UA-cam, composing, sample libraries selling, performing. Preferably yes composing but who knows, I’m along for the ride! Just a note, Hans is also a guy who certainly encourages & works with people who have a different set of unique passions and skills. As humans I think we try to gravitate with what we think works in a career all the time but the truth is I believe there is a different road for each and every one of us. Thanks for making videos like these!
Fulfillment, belonging, living a simple and quiet life, and pursuing work that matters- those are all things that I care about too! I'm really happy to hear that you were able to make this realization for yourself and that you're not too caught up with what music related job titles will get you there. I definitely didn't expect to creating content to become a big part of how I get fulfillment and belonging, but it's the best kind of surprise! Also, thanks for pointing that out about Hans, you're definitely right about that and I think it's awesome how open he is collaborating with talented musicians. Anyways so happy to hear you enjoyed this, let's continue creating our own paths and have more great discussions like this!
When I was 13 and just starting out on my musical path I really wanted to be a film composer. However, back then, the late 70s we did not have all the tech and access to all the resources and opportunities that exist today and coming from an impoverished background I did not even have anything to play music on so that I could listen and learn. Home recording and video making were non existent. My dream was somewhat shelved. But I did go to art school, then studied Jazz arranging and composing and got round to writing music for several plays. It is great to see that such a career is no longer beyond those with the desire to go into it these days. I have not given up my interest but my objectives are different. I write and arrange songs focussing on non digital based approaches so I score on paper and write only for instruments I have access to in the real world. At the moment that is my voice (and harmonies) and guitars. I keep my writing minimal, but it is always composed within the scope of being able to expand it when I have the motivation or chance to use it for something. So basically I write for myself. It is also my leisure activity of sorts, though I have a regime of sitting down everyday at the same time to work. 5:30am and dedicate a minimum of 15 minutes to the activity before moving on to other musical tasks, though I will do more if I am in a flow state. I have plans to produce video footage to which I can add my own soundtracks, just for experimental purposes. I noticed Max Richter did something similar with some of his recent works. I could not be a jobbing composer, though the plays I wrote for did give me a set of requirements; compose character music, programatic music, melodies for lyrics etc and also some sound canvases for ambient effects. Thanks for sharing your progress. I just found your channel so I will watch your other videos and look forward to seeing how you get on.
Thank you for sharing your story! I've always wanted to hear from composers, like you, who are self-driven to write for themselves and make it work, but don't necessarily have the ideal starting point in time or life circumstances. It's honestly very inspiring that you've continued creating music for so long, because that's what I'd like to do with my life too. I also really like the idea of scoring on paper and limiting composing to the instruments I have, and experimenting more with art as well! Anyways, I hope that you find some value in the parts of my journey that I've documented. Thanks again for such a thoughtful comment! -Cheska
I always wanted to be a full time composer and really put a lot of time into my creations and at some point I realised that I was losing the fun of the whole thing. It wasn't until I realised that I was putting too much pressure on myself to release new music and compose new music. I thought about whether I wanted to live my life like this and possibly get frustrated at some point because things weren't moving forward or whether I should change something and simply have a different mindset. I've now found the perfect balance between leisure time and composing. Composing is no longer my main job, but a side job that doesn't necessarily have to earn money. This allows me to compose much more freely and, above all, have fun. I love composing music, but you should also collect lots of impressions and great experiences, because these in turn inspire you to compose. Free time is a really important factor. Thank you for your video!
I love that! I am also striving to improve my leisure time and composing balance. Keeping it fun and protecting our relationship with music isn't something a lot of people think about, so I'm really happy to hear that you found what works for you. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us, and happy composing!
Love this vid cuz i also believe that being dedicated to work is important but doing so at the cost of missing out on fun moments or family time is something that just doesn't feel like a fair trade-off. Great stuff! :)
I dream big and never give up. My dream is to work with Hans Zimmer. I have been drawn to his music from a young age. I always wanted to listen to the movie soundtracks at a young age. A fulfilling life to me is living out your dreams. With hard work and persistence. You only live once! Great video though!!! I’m just determined!! ❤
@@cheska_yo yesss!!!! I am just not a good creator, I like to add my own spin to existing songs. I loved your video sooo much though!!! You are super inspiring!!!! Keep it up!!!
@@mandybredeweg-bishop4003 I can tell you really love music! I think it's just a matter of learning how to capture that passion in a way that helps people connect with you on UA-cam. Creating content is a skill, just like all the music skills we've learned. Maybe I can talk about how to approach that as a musician in a future video? Anyways thanks for the support, I really appreciate it Mandy 🥰
Great point Cheska! Although I came to this conclusion myself, sometimes I think that my music is crap and that until I am a top composer I won't be able to get any collaborations (that's why I keep buying some books and looking for courses on the internet 😁😂)...I know that's not true and that everyone has their place under the sun and if the music I make is good enough for the director's criteria, then that's it - nothing more is needed. I don't really like the idea of a glamorous studio and that type of composing job, and I don't think I would feel comfortable in those conditions.
Totally relate to you, I don't like the idea of a glamorous studio and all that either haha 🤣 Also super guilty of buying courses instead of actually composing and connecting with people. At the end of the day, as long as we have fun and try to make our next piece better, that's all that matters!
Hey Cheska.. I have been following you for a while.. even though I'm not a film composer, I enjoy your videos and your thoughts, especially.. I really liked your idea of being available to your friends and relatives without compromising on your dreams .. it can happen only when we know where we stand and till where we want to climb.. because on a long run satisfaction matters and not money or huge fanbase.. much love and support to you Cheska ❤❤
Hi Cheska Thank you for your beautiful video ;-) I have dreamed for many years of being able to make a living from my music. I'm 58 now... But something inside me advised me to just start a side business as a composer for games, trailers, etc. A year ago, after 34 years in the industry (my main job), I quit my job and now work for friends in a small company. I have a much better quality of life because I no longer have to drive almost 2 hours to and from work, I have “different” stress and very nice colleagues. I have created a lot more freedom for my music, but I won't rely completely on the income from music. I fully share your thoughts on life, what good is a dream come true if it makes you unhappy afterwards ;-)
Hello hello! I'm so happy that this video resonated with you 🤗 Thank you for sharing your story, it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this way of thinking. The "different" stress you talk about is something I think about a lot recently, especially since I'm just starting out in the industry. Happy composing! ❤
Such a needed message right now, my vision of being a full time composer has shifted drastically over the years. I thought I just wanted to do huge shows and films all year round for a living, and while a piece of me still wants do projects like that, I primarily want to lead a life where art and expression is celebrated throughout my week. I don’t want to work the boring lifeless unfulfilling jobs, I want to be involved in something that feels revenant to not only my human experience but something that will bring fulfillment and belonging to myself and the people in my life (and possibly a future family). And who knows maybe I’ll do big projects in the future, idk but my goal is to live a more simple & quiet life whilst pursuing work that matters to me. That could be educating, UA-cam, composing, sample libraries selling, performing. Preferably yes composing but who knows, I’m along for the ride! Just a note, Hans is also a guy who certainly encourages & works with people who have a different set of unique passions and skills. As humans I think we try to gravitate with what we think works in a career all the time but the truth is I believe there is a different road for each and every one of us. Thanks for making videos like these!
Fulfillment, belonging, living a simple and quiet life, and pursuing work that matters- those are all things that I care about too! I'm really happy to hear that you were able to make this realization for yourself and that you're not too caught up with what music related job titles will get you there. I definitely didn't expect to creating content to become a big part of how I get fulfillment and belonging, but it's the best kind of surprise! Also, thanks for pointing that out about Hans, you're definitely right about that and I think it's awesome how open he is collaborating with talented musicians. Anyways so happy to hear you enjoyed this, let's continue creating our own paths and have more great discussions like this!
@@cheska_yo Agreed!
When I was 13 and just starting out on my musical path I really wanted to be a film composer. However, back then, the late 70s we did not have all the tech and access to all the resources and opportunities that exist today and coming from an impoverished background I did not even have anything to play music on so that I could listen and learn. Home recording and video making were non existent.
My dream was somewhat shelved. But I did go to art school, then studied Jazz arranging and composing and got round to writing music for several plays. It is great to see that such a career is no longer beyond those with the desire to go into it these days. I have not given up my interest but my objectives are different. I write and arrange songs focussing on non digital based approaches so I score on paper and write only for instruments I have access to in the real world. At the moment that is my voice (and harmonies) and guitars. I keep my writing minimal, but it is always composed within the scope of being able to expand it when I have the motivation or chance to use it for something.
So basically I write for myself. It is also my leisure activity of sorts, though I have a regime of sitting down everyday at the same time to work. 5:30am and dedicate a minimum of 15 minutes to the activity before moving on to other musical tasks, though I will do more if I am in a flow state. I have plans to produce video footage to which I can add my own soundtracks, just for experimental purposes. I noticed Max Richter did something similar with some of his recent works. I could not be a jobbing composer, though the plays I wrote for did give me a set of requirements; compose character music, programatic music, melodies for lyrics etc and also some sound canvases for ambient effects.
Thanks for sharing your progress. I just found your channel so I will watch your other videos and look forward to seeing how you get on.
Thank you for sharing your story! I've always wanted to hear from composers, like you, who are self-driven to write for themselves and make it work, but don't necessarily have the ideal starting point in time or life circumstances. It's honestly very inspiring that you've continued creating music for so long, because that's what I'd like to do with my life too.
I also really like the idea of scoring on paper and limiting composing to the instruments I have, and experimenting more with art as well!
Anyways, I hope that you find some value in the parts of my journey that I've documented. Thanks again for such a thoughtful comment!
-Cheska
This is an EXCELLENT video Cheska - such valuable insights here 👏👏
Thanks Zach!!! 😁
Everything you said in this video speaks to me so much! Thank you for making this :)
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the support! :)
I always wanted to be a full time composer and really put a lot of time into my creations and at some point I realised that I was losing the fun of the whole thing. It wasn't until I realised that I was putting too much pressure on myself to release new music and compose new music. I thought about whether I wanted to live my life like this and possibly get frustrated at some point because things weren't moving forward or whether I should change something and simply have a different mindset. I've now found the perfect balance between leisure time and composing. Composing is no longer my main job, but a side job that doesn't necessarily have to earn money. This allows me to compose much more freely and, above all, have fun. I love composing music, but you should also collect lots of impressions and great experiences, because these in turn inspire you to compose. Free time is a really important factor. Thank you for your video!
I love that! I am also striving to improve my leisure time and composing balance. Keeping it fun and protecting our relationship with music isn't something a lot of people think about, so I'm really happy to hear that you found what works for you. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us, and happy composing!
Love this vid cuz i also believe that being dedicated to work is important but doing so at the cost of missing out on fun moments or family time is something that just doesn't feel like a fair trade-off. Great stuff! :)
Glad you love it Adi!! Hopefully the Zimmer fan base responds well to this hahaha
Love this, Cheska! Thanks for making this video.
Glad you liked it Owen!
I dream big and never give up. My dream is to work with Hans Zimmer. I have been drawn to his music from a young age. I always wanted to listen to the movie soundtracks at a young age. A fulfilling life to me is living out your dreams. With hard work and persistence. You only live once! Great video though!!! I’m just determined!! ❤
Totally valid, I love that! If you're going to work hard for something, it should be for something you love 🤗
@@cheska_yo yesss!!!! I am just not a good creator, I like to add my own spin to existing songs. I loved your video sooo much though!!! You are super inspiring!!!! Keep it up!!!
@@mandybredeweg-bishop4003 I can tell you really love music! I think it's just a matter of learning how to capture that passion in a way that helps people connect with you on UA-cam. Creating content is a skill, just like all the music skills we've learned. Maybe I can talk about how to approach that as a musician in a future video? Anyways thanks for the support, I really appreciate it Mandy 🥰
Great questions! Those are things everyone should consider. Thank you!
Glad it helps! :)
Great point Cheska! Although I came to this conclusion myself, sometimes I think that my music is crap and that until I am a top composer I won't be able to get any collaborations (that's why I keep buying some books and looking for courses on the internet 😁😂)...I know that's not true and that everyone has their place under the sun and if the music I make is good enough for the director's criteria, then that's it - nothing more is needed. I don't really like the idea of a glamorous studio and that type of composing job, and I don't think I would feel comfortable in those conditions.
Totally relate to you, I don't like the idea of a glamorous studio and all that either haha 🤣 Also super guilty of buying courses instead of actually composing and connecting with people. At the end of the day, as long as we have fun and try to make our next piece better, that's all that matters!
@@cheska_yo That's right! 🙂
Hey Cheska.. I have been following you for a while.. even though I'm not a film composer, I enjoy your videos and your thoughts, especially.. I really liked your idea of being available to your friends and relatives without compromising on your dreams .. it can happen only when we know where we stand and till where we want to climb.. because on a long run satisfaction matters and not money or huge fanbase.. much love and support to you Cheska ❤❤
I'm happy to hear you found your way to my channel
It applies to every career I guess, well said. Thanks.
You are definitely right, it does apply to every career- I'm glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for this!
Of course ☺ I hope it inspires you to think more deeply about the kind of career you want
Hi Cheska
Thank you for your beautiful video ;-) I have dreamed for many years of being able to make a living from my music. I'm 58 now... But something inside me advised me to just start a side business as a composer for games, trailers, etc. A year ago, after 34 years in the industry (my main job), I quit my job and now work for friends in a small company. I have a much better quality of life because I no longer have to drive almost 2 hours to and from work, I have “different” stress and very nice colleagues. I have created a lot more freedom for my music, but I won't rely completely on the income from music.
I fully share your thoughts on life, what good is a dream come true if it makes you unhappy afterwards ;-)
Hello hello! I'm so happy that this video resonated with you 🤗 Thank you for sharing your story, it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this way of thinking. The "different" stress you talk about is something I think about a lot recently, especially since I'm just starting out in the industry. Happy composing! ❤
@@cheska_yo ❤
Hans Zimmer fucking blows anyway.
Non 👏 Negotiables 👏
YUP 🙌